PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional is offering a new and fresh deal to the people through its manifesto for the 15th General Election, known as Padu (Perancangan Amal dan Usaha BN).

Barisan chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi when unveiling the manifesto on Monday (Nov 7), said the manifesto would be centred on two important strategies – to create political stability to form a strong government and to make Malaysia peaceful and prosperous.

"Padu will be a comprehensive national solution to address several pressing issues such as the high cost of living," he said.

"For that, Padu will bring about a big revolution in the nation's welfare distribution system by introducing the Assistive Basic Income," he said, adding the scheme would help households earn at least RM2,208 a month, and make absolute poverty a thing of the past.

A 2% income tax cut will also be given for those earning between RM50,000 and RM100,000 annually.

Ahmad Zahid said the Barisan-led government also plans to introduce the Elderly Care Act and to improve the function and capabilities of NGOs that handle care centres for the elderly and the differently-abled with an allocation of RM105mil over a period of five years.

On environmental issues, Barisan pledges to increase forest cover to 60% of the land surface with the cooperation of the state governments.

To ensure that Malaysia has a safe and sustainable future, approved permits for electric vehicles (EV) will be abolished to ensure that there is wider access to environmentally friendly cars which are also affordable.

Padu covers a total of 99 initiatives such as the rising cost of living, political stability, healthcare, education, food security, environmental protection and attracting foreign direct investments.